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Potato Ghosts

These playful Potato Ghosts are a delightful vegetarian side dish that brings a touch of seasonal fun to your dinner table. Made with creamy mashed potatoes enriched with butter and egg yolks, they are piped into whimsical shapes and baked until the edges are beautifully crisp and golden. Using a potato ricer ensures a perfectly smooth, velvet-like texture that holds its shape brilliantly, while the nigella seed eyes add a quirky finishing touch to these savoury spooks.

Ideal for a Halloween party or a themed family supper, this creative dish is as delicious as it is decorative. The addition of egg yolks helps the potato mounds stay firm in the oven, making them a reliable choice for entertaining. Serve these alongside a hearty autumnal stew or a comforting roasted main for a homemade touch that children and adults alike will enjoy.

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Ingredients for Potato Ghosts

  • 1.8kg large boiling potatoes (preferably white-fleshed)

  • 3/4 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces

  • 300ml whole milk

  • 3 large egg yolks

  • Nigella seeds (sometimes mislabeled "black onion seeds") or caraway seeds for garnish

  • Equipment: a potato ricer or a food mill fitted with medium disk

  • a pastry bag with 3/4-inch plain tip

How to make Potato Ghosts

Peel and quarter potatoes, then cover with water in a 4-quart pot and season well with salt. Simmer, partially covered, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

While potatoes are simmering, heat butter and milk in a small saucepan until butter is melted. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Preheat oven to 204°C with rack in middle.

Drain potatoes and force through ricer into a large bowl (or mixer bowl if using stand mixer). Beat in milk mixture, yolks, and 1/2 teaspoons each of salt and pepper with an electric mixer at low speed until combined.

Spread about one-third of potatoes in a buttered 1 1/2-quart shallow ovenproof dish. Transfer remaining potatoes to pastry bag. Pipe potatoes close together into 2 1/2- to 3-inch-high pointed mounds to form "'ghosts" and garnish each mound with 2 seeds for "eyes."

Bake until tips of ghosts are golden and potatoes are firm, 20 to 25 minutes.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 16 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
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